Timber iQ Dec 2017 - Jan 2018 // Issue:35 | Page 56

CONTRIBUTORS
dangerous. Rather wait until the roof sheets have dried out
before commencing work on them and ensure workers
descend the roof as soon as any condensation begins
to show.
TOOLBOX TALK
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
It is mandatory to have a health and safety officer on site
and important to ensure that the workers have everything
they need to do their work, instructions on what to do for
the day and a good understanding of the safety hazards
that come with their tools and jobs.
It is important to ensure all tools are in good condition.
It is unfair to expect high quality work from an individual
using tools that are of low quality or disrepair. Poorly
maintained tools can also pose a serious safety risk to the
operator (for example, a circular saw that has a missing
blade cover or even one that is not working properly)
putting the construction site at risk as well.
In addition, since timber frame construction is a
carpentry trade that makes use of power tools which all
work from extension leads, all extension leads must be
kept in good working order. The possibility of electric
shock as a result of poorly maintained extension leads is
very high.
SOBRIETY AND PROPER REST
While it may not be essential, I feel that all construction
sites should have blood alcohol breathalysers and rapid
drug screen tests on hand for random testing. It is not safe
for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to
operate power tools or to work at heights.
It is also important to me that my staff are well rested
before they arrive on site. Proper rest helps a person be
alert; an alert person will do more accurate work and make
fewer, potentially hazardous mistakes.
Ensuring proper health and safety measures on site is a
small price to pay to ensure compliance with the law, but
also to show respect to one’s employees and foster high
quality work. The consequences of non-compliance include
54 DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018 //
At Rustic Homes, the Toolbox Talk is held every morning on
site before work begins. It is conducted by the assigned
site health and safety officer on site and runs for about 15
to 20 minutes. In this meeting, individuals are assigned
their tasks for the day, it is explained what potential
hazards may come with each of these duties and how to
prevent from getting hurt. The health and safety officer
must also ensure that everyone has – and is appropriately
utilising – their PPE. This is an essential part of the
Toolbox Talk.
Once complete, everyone in attendance must sign the
register, agreeing that they have understood the Toolbox
Talk, that they fully understand the dangers that can come
with the day’s work and that they will take all necessary
precautions and measures to prevent from being hurt or
causing any harm or danger to anyone else on site. This
register must be attached to the health and safety file and
available for inspection at any given time by the
designated inspectors.
A DC05 first aid kit must be kept on site at all times.
a dangerous and potentially fatal work environment for
your staff, a precursor to shoddy work and a serious risk
not worth taking at any cost.
TIPS IN IMPLEMENTING PROPER HEALTH
AND SAFETY MEASURES ON SITE
• Make sure staff have and know how to use their PPE
• Keep the site as hazard-free as possible
• Make sure staff are certified to operate the tools and
equipment they use
• Make sure staff are certified to perform certain tasks
such as building walls
• Always keep a health and safety file on site – ensure
it is kept updated
• Keep a fully-stocked government regulation DC05
first aid kit on site at all times
• Know regulations governing working at heights and
implement these
• Never erect site-made scaffolding; hire proper
scaffolding if budget does not allow for the
full investment
• Make sure staff know the risks of their jobs and how
to avoid associated dangers
• Keep tools, equipment and extension leads in
good condition
• Never allow an intoxicated person to remain on a
construction site, much less perform any tasks or
operate equipment
• Exercise patience when working at height and
descend from the roof as soon as condensate
begins to show